The Trouble with Angels

If you haven't seen this movie, this review (or perhaps reflection) definately has spoilers. This movie has been a part of my life since I first saw it in the theater when it came out in 1966. I lived pretty close to where the exteriors where filmed (now the Villa, a program for troubled youth and families) in Ambler PA and whenever I go by there, I still look to see "the Castle". In the 50+ years since it came out, I've seen this movie countless times, from when it would be broadcast on local TV to owning it though Amazon video. In the past, I would always hope it would be shown in late autumn as the movie always had an autumnal feel to it for me. The segue from Marvel Ann's sick room to the large lighted tree in front of the Castle with the snow falling and the singing of "Angels we have heard on high" by the nuns always put me in an anticipatory Christmas mood. So what makes this movie special? Everything. The cast is perfect - with Rosalind Russell who is both very controlled (can anyone roll their eyes like she can?), yet deeply moving; I had a crush on Hayley Mills before this movie came out - so did many other boys my age. And June Harding is under-appreciated - it wouldn't be the same movie without her. She really is Rachel and she holds her own with Hayley. It's a realistic and moving portrayal. Then we have the direction by Ida Lupino, a wonderful dramatic actress from those film noirs. In different hands, this movie could be overly sentimental or more of a zany comedy. But all the scenes are played straight which heightens their impact. The directing for such a movie makes it so much more than it has any right to be. Then there's the music. When I would watch it over the years, one of the things that would bring me immediately into the spirit of the movie was the opening music and the music through out the movie so brings out the feeling of the movie. Again, the impact of the movie wouldn't be the same without Jerry Goldsmith's contribution. And that's just the point: this little movie from 1966 has deep emotional impact. Yes, there's the "scathingly brilliant ideas" but those are placed within movie of deep richness showing real and moving relationships and, in the case of Mary, the real development of her humanity. It's understated insights don't cease to amaze and move. My favorite scenes are those where the main characters are just being with each other in special ways - Mother Superior with Liguori after Mother Superior decides not to expel the girls, Mother Superior with Mary as she is finishing up Rachel's dress (the moving "finding something better" speech), Mary and Rachel at the window late at night as graduation approaches. Even Mary's "harsh" statement at the "Home for the Aged" at Christmas shows that she is on her way - she is effected by what she sees and experiences - and Reverend Mother sees it. These are real relationships movingly portrayed. And these relationships make the scene with Reverend Mother in the chapel after the loss of her closest real friend and confidant (and she probably didn't have many) so devastating and moving - I've never not cried at this scene- the sense of deep loss and grief is very real. So we have this silly little movie from 1966 which judging from the reviews here on Amazon is more special and rich than it may initially appear on the surface. Yes, there's a nostalgia for my childhood, but I saw a lot of other movies at this time, and few have I had the relationship with over the years as I have had with this - this silly little movie, that is so much more.

What can possibly say about this hilarious movie? The cast for this film did a fantastic job. The cost to buy this DVD is reasonable, used ANAZON PRIME again, arrival within a 24 hr. period! Highly recommend this wholesome movie, beats the GARBAGE that film makers have made over the last 20 + years!!!!

What can I say?? I grew up with this movie, and was in love with Haley Mills (who wasn't??). I've owned this movie on VHS and DVD, which both were pan-and-scan versions, and didn't do the film the justice it deserves. This Blu-ray transfer is wonderful, both picture and sound, and it's finally, FINALLY in widescreen! And, it's more than just a teen comedy --- there is much heart and lots of emotion throughout, and was brilliantly directed by Ida Lupino, with an entire cast that is just tremendous. And the Jerry Goldsmith score to me is one of his best........perfectly suits the mood of the movie throughout all of the seasons the film traverses....it's not a "B" movie as many say, but an "A" movie in my book, on every level. And the ending still gets me blubbering like a baby every time, even for this 58 year old guy who's seen it probably as many times as I've seen "The Wizard of Oz". Side note: I actually met Haley Mills when she was touring with "The King and I", in Minneapolis over a decade ago, at the backstage door......it was snowing outside and cold, and she could have just brushed my partner and I off to hurry on her tour bus, but instead, stood and talked with us for over 20 minutes (commented on my sweater even)!!! Of course, I had to get in the line, "I have a scathingly brilliant idea"! :) She was one amazing, gracious, beautiful lady, and that's one experience in my life I'll never forget, ever.

I love this movie. I remember watching it on TV 📺 a few years ago, and loved it. It turns out the one who made trouble ended up never leaving. But instead joined the Order of Sisters. Great acting, the death of Sister Lougouri gave me tears. Mother Superior is strong and professional. She was tested by Mary and Rachel's antics, but saw something in them not to get expelled. The other Sisters were fun, and the girls had so much to learn. Great feel good wholesome movie for the whole family. A true gem and classic. And it had it's funny moments.

The DVD is in good quality, and the film may be one of the most underrated ever. Everything ist great, everything is symbolic, logical, brilliantly photographed, the colours are vivid and certainly not composed and chosen by pure coincidence, the men are almost absent and reputed worse than the allegedly severe nuns, it's funny, wise, witty, and it tells much of female adolescence, mental development and initiation, by minimalistic means and a brilliantly acting Hayley Mills who's face watching the nuns in private moments tells more than any dialogue (which is also very good & witty). Rosalind Russell has a very charismatic voice and is credible in every moment, and when she tells that she could have become a fashion designer in earlier days, one remembers her parts in screwball comedies such as "His Girl Friday" (1940), and one realizes that she's credible in both parts, as Mother Superior would have been a very good, vivid fashion designer. But Mother Superior says (with this gorgeous voice which makes you believe every word): "I found something better". Miss Russel did so, too.

I have seen this movie many many times and to get it with no interruptions and what's said or done our commercials Roslyn Russell is a genius and Haley Mills what can you say I mean they're both excellent together the movie is fun and serious and can you make you cry it is just a fabulous movie you should buy it!

One of my favorites

This show was one of the first that had one person playing two roles and was so convincing that you couldn't guess it. So the fun and laughter is on with this and a good family one at that, but a few of us oldies can gather around and watch as well. The antics that come flying in from all sides, so it makes you take up and notice so you wont regret it. A young girl is sent off to boarding school, much to her dislike but soon learns how to get her way around her teachers and thinks she has them all fooled. Now has she or has she not is the answer and that is your thought for this show. A fabulous storyline and with this cast you can't go wrong. I rated this an A grade plus for the continuing fall out of ideas that has you in turmoil from beginning to end. So what are you waiting for, get a move on so while your on the run don't forget the popcorn and any other errand you might have got to do, because once you put your feet up and relax there will be no time for anything else, once the movie begins. This movie is a pleasure to watch. Now let the show begin for a fantastic night of entertainment with a grand old classic that will leave you in stitches. Enjoy!

A good family movie

Imagen buena y doblaje en castellano de España de los años 70 o así, es decir, el original con que llegó a España y que es el que yo recordaba.

As a child Hailey Mills was always one of my favourite actresses. I saw the movie many years ago and loved it but thought, what will I think of it now that I'm all grown up. Well it's just as entertaining to me (a Catholic girl) who can identify with the nuns I knew and the innocence of the girls in their care. Rosalind Russell is very convincing as the headmistress of this girls' school. The pranks played by Hailey and her sidekick are funny. There's no bad language or 'adult' situations. Just good clean fun. I feel bad for today's teenaged girls who are subjected to such trash from movies. I plan on watching it again and again.

Love these old movies with Haley Mills. Happy to have the opportunity to own them through Amazon.